Nancy Ellen Goeddel (Schwartz) passed away on October 22, 2026, at 1:18 a.m. She was born on April 13, 1949, in Maple Heights, Ohio, to Henry and Eleanor Schwartz, who preceded her in death.
Nancy was stubborn, outspoken, and unapologetically herself. But if you could see past all of that, you would find a heart that was shaped by her own experiences, struggles, and, most importantly, her love for God. She wasn’t perfect, just like the rest of us, but one thing that remained evident throughout her life was God’s love. Through all of life’s ups and downs, she continued to turn to Him for her strength.
Nancy openly shared her relationship with God and believed it was important for people to understand that knowing Him goes beyond religion. It is about having a personal relationship with Him. She continually turned back to Him for her strength in all things. Her favorite Bible verse was Philippians 4:13 (NIV): “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” She wanted others to know that same strength and understand that they, too, could turn to Him through all of life’s struggles.
Nancy enjoyed women’s ministry, crafting, cooking, baking, and hosting. She loved bringing people together and creating opportunities for family and loved ones to spend time with one another. She was involved with Connect Church and participated in women’s ministry until she moved into a memory care facility a few years ago.
A Letter from Mom’s Heart
One of the most meaningful things we found was a handwritten letter tucked inside Mom’s Bible. She had written it to the “loves of her life,” and at the bottom, she listed her family. But I believe her words were meant for anyone who had ever come into contact with her.
In her letter, Mom encouraged us to read God’s Word, know His promises, claim them, live them out, and tell others about them. She reminded us that time is short and that we should not keep God’s promises to ourselves but share them with others.
She signed her letter, “Written in great Love, Mom.”
Her hope was that all of us would be God’s people and share in the rewards of being in Him and walking with Him, now and for eternity.
Mom’s life reminds us that we don’t have to be perfect to have a relationship with God. We can always turn back to Him for strength, no matter what we are facing. She wanted the people she loved to know Him, too, and to experience the love and strength she found in Him.
Family
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Eleanor Schwartz, and her sister, Judy (Schwartz) Tamasovich.
She is survived by her daughters, Meghan (Goeddel) King and her husband, Casey King, and Kathryn (Goeddel) Wickerham and her husband, Paul Wickerham Jr.; and her five grandchildren, Addison King, Alexander “Xander” Goeddel, Madigan King, Teagan Wickerham, and Brian King.
Nancy is also survived by her brother-in-law, Ted, the widower of her late sister Judy, as well as her niece and three nephews and their families, including their spouses and children. To them, she was lovingly known as Aunt NuNu.
A Special Thank You
Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the wonderful staff at FSV Memory Care AL in Sunset Hills, FSV Chesterfield, and FSV Hospice.
The year Mom spent at memory care was filled with so much fun, love, and amazing care. We are forever grateful for the kindness, compassion, and joy the staff brought into her life.
To the FSV Hospice team, thank you for the amazing care and support you provided from start to finish. Your dedication and compassion meant more to our family than words can express.
Service Arrangements
Service arrangements will be announced at a later date.
In Lieu of Flowers
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in Nancy’s name, or simply go out and shine your light for others to see and know the love of God.
Mom wanted the people she loved to know Him, too. One of the greatest ways we can honor her is to carry that message forward. Love others, share His light, and let people see the love of God through you.